Shropshire golf coach nominated for prestigious national award!

Shropshire’s Aaron Cox has been shortlisted for the Participation & Development Coach of the Year Award at the 2026 England Golf Awards, recognising his exceptional commitment to growing the game for young people of all ages and abilities across the North East.

Aaron’s coaching reaches far beyond the boundaries of a traditional academy. He delivers golf lessons in school PE sessions from primary through secondary level, supports holiday‑club programmes, and leads thriving junior academies at Blackwell and Richmond.

A passionate advocate for inclusive pathways, he also supports initiatives such as Girls Golf Rocks and has been a longstanding champion of GolfSixes, coaching winning teams in both North Yorkshire and Durham.

In 2025, Aaron launched the Northern Junior Tour after the existing regional tour expanded nationally. Determined that young golfers in the North should not miss out, he created a dedicated platform that has already helped hundreds gain competitive experience, build friendships and grow in confidence.

Under his leadership, the Blackwell junior academy has grown from 12 to 120 golfers, supported by a bespoke six‑hole academy course and structured coaching that takes players from first swings to single‑digit handicaps. His players are flourishing: one has been selected for the England Golf Regional Squad, while another reached the Faldo Futures World Final in the US.

Aaron’s impact is perhaps best illustrated through individual stories. One parent describes how Aaron transformed their autistic son’s confidence—guiding him from being unable to play with others to winning competitions, making friends and thriving within the club community. “He has changed our lives,” they said.

With unwavering availability, mentorship and passion, Aaron has become a driving force for junior golf across County Durham and the wider region. His influence is shaping not just better golfers, but stronger, more connected young people.

This year’s England Golf Awards, sponsored by FootJoy, will be held at Manchester Deansgate on Tuesday 3 March. The awards celebrate the people making a positive impact on the sport, with special honours such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, Young Volunteer of the Year, and Hall of Fame inductees announced on the night.

The full list of nominees can be found here.